Dr Michelle Gallen Elected President of Swimming Australia

Swimming Australia is pleased to announce the election of Dr Michelle Gallen as the governing body’s new President.

With extensive leadership across a variety of government organisations, Gallen is the Director of Strategic Projects for the Queensland Government’s Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport (Eds note: she left this role in Dec 22), and has been a member of the Swimming Australia Board since October 2021.

Currently serving as Chair of Swimming Australia’s Integrity & Ethics and Constitutional Review Committees, Gallen is a former elite athlete herself and has a PhD in International Sports Law from the Melbourne Law School.

The passionate swimming advocate said she was humbled to be elected to the role at such an important time for the sport.

“It is an honour to be elected as President of Swimming Australia,” said Gallen.

“We are in a very exciting phase of regeneration and growth of our sport as we turn our attention towards Brisbane 2032 and maximise the opportunities for our community across the country.”

“We have a strong vision and strategic plan that we look forward to delivering on for everyone involved in our sport.”

Swimming Australia also welcomes a further three additions to the Board, with Susan Smith and Tim Ford elected as Directors and Iain Melhuish appointed to the remaining casual vacancy.

Iain Melhuish brings a wealth of combined sporting and financial experience, having represented Australia in swimming throughout the late 1990’s before transitioning to a career in corporate finance at the start of the millennium where he has proudly worked for Macquarie for the past 21 years, including his current position as Executive Director, Head of Debt Capital Markets, Australia/New Zealand, Macquarie Capital.

Tim Ford is a decorated management consultant, Harvard Business School graduate and Commonwealth Games Silver medallist, and joins the Board with extensive experience as both an athlete and administrator, currently serving as a Director at one of Australia’s great swimming nurseries, Carlile Swimming.

Susan Smith is an astute leader with extensive Board experience, including as the Deputy Chair of VicSport and a Director and Company Secretary for the Bendigo Highett Community Bank. She has intimate knowledge of swimming from her previous seven years on the Board of Swimming Victoria, including time as President, and has a proven track record in corporate governance and strategic management.

Swimming Australia would like to express its gratitude to former President Tracy Stockwell for her immense contributions as a Director since 2016, and President for the past 12 months, particularly her invaluable relationships across international swimming where she is held in the highest regard.